Carver County Veterans Memorial
For many years , the Carver County Veterans Memorial in Mayer has reminded those in the community and surrounding areas of the many men and women who have given their lives in the military .
Stand Heldt , the chairman of the memorial ’ s committee , says that it hopes its Flag Program at the memorial will encourage those people to learn more about the individuals it represents .
The memorial , located on the southwest corner of Ash Avenue and First Street , features a wall of panels etched with images honoring each military branch . Leading up to the wall are long gardens of pavers that bear the names of hundreds of veterans . The centerpiece of the wall is a built-in glass display case that has been used to display many pieces of history through many different programs at the memorial .
With the Flag Program , however , the glass case is used to honor a different individual veteran each month by showcasing their photo and biography .
The memorial has seen numerous programs that have helped highlight specific veterans or groups of veterans , and its Flag Program is the latest .
Along with showcasing the veteran in the glass display case for a month , a ceremony is held for them as part of what Heldt refers to as their “ tour .” The veteran ’ s family can also choose to have their coffin flag flown at the memorial at the ceremony . In addition , the veteran is entered into the memorial registry , where anyone who wishes to read their story can do so .
Submitted Photo The Carver County Veterans Memorial showcases panels for each military branch . In addition , the glass display case in the center of the wall is used to highlight individual veterans as part of the Flag Program .
Carver County Veterans Memorial flying flags for fallen vets
The program began honoring veterans by starting with those who currently have a paver in the memorial gardens . The pavers , each inscribed with a veteran ’ s name and branch of service , are acquired through a donation of $ 250 to the memorial .
Thus far , Heldt says that there are approximately 425 different pavers in the memorial gardens , which could be enough to keep the program going for five years . Once all those who currently have a paver are honored , the program will be opened up to those without pavers . Overall , the gardens at the memorial have enough room for roughly 4,000 pavers .
According to Heldt , the Carver County Veterans Memorial is not funded by any tax dollars and has been sustained entirely via donations . In addition , donations are accepted from anyone and does not exclude veterans from outside the area from being honored with the memorial . Heldt says this inclusivity has resulted in veterans from all over the county being represented , which has , in turn , increased its support .
“ Support for it has been amazing . A lot of people have soft spots for veterans ,” Heldt explained . “ The committee has proved itself , we showed what our vision was , and we ’ ve followed through . I can ’ t say enough about the people who have helped with this . If there was ever something we needed , we got someone in place who knew how to do it , and they have all done an outstanding job .”
For more information about the memorial and registry , or to donate , visit ccvmr . org .
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